SRINAGAR: In anticipation of the June 17 elections for the non-permanent members to the UN Security Council, tensions have surged in Islamabad as India is almost certain to be elected for the next two years. Five non-permanent members would be elected to the Council for a two-year term starting January 1, 2021. The elections that routinely happen through a secret ballot in the main hall are expected to be virtual, this time, given the pandemic.
UNSC’s 10 non-permanent berths are being elected from different regional groups – African Group, Asia-Pacific Group, Latin American and Caribbean Group, Western European and Others Group. India is running for the seat from the Asia-Pacific group, which will be vacated by Indonesia.
“India’s victory is almost secured because the seat has not been contested by any of the other countries from the region. India, it should be recalled, was last year nominated uncontested for this seat by the 55-member regional group, of which Pakistan is also a part,” Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported. “Diplomatic observers in New York, while speaking over phone about the implications of India’s election for Pakistan, said it could become harder to initiate a discussion on the situation in Kashmir, much less an exclusive meeting like the one held on Aug 16, 2019. India, they feared, could exercise greater influence on the sanctions regime.”
For electing to principal 193-member UN organs, a candidate must secure a minimum of 129 votes to be declared successful. “This apparently may not be a difficult task for Delhi because of the group’s endorsement,” the newspaper said.
Unlike India, all other groups have a contest. “Djibouti and Kenya are contesting the single African Group seat. Canada, Ireland and Norway are contesting the two seats from Western European and Others Group. Mexico, much like India, would run unopposed for the Latin American and Caribbean Group set,” the newspaper reported.
